Batala, Punjab | June 2025 – In a shocking double murder that has reignited tensions in Punjab’s criminal and political landscape, Harjit Kaur, the mother of jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, and her nephew Karanvir Singh were shot dead on Thursday night in Batala’s Urban Estate area. Initial claims of responsibility made by a group linked to the Bambiha gang were later withdrawn, while the victim’s family has directly accused Congress MP and former Deputy CM Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa of orchestrating the killings.
The Attack: Broad Daylight Assassination
At around 9:07 PM, Harjit Kaur and Karanvir Singh were seated in their car outside their rented home when two armed assailants arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire from the driver’s side. Both victims were taken to Civil Hospital, where they were declared dead on arrival.
Karanvir hailed from Bhikhiwal, while Harjit Kaur was reportedly living alone in Batala. Gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria is currently lodged in Silchar Jail in Assam. His brother lives abroad, and his sister is married.
Motive: Gang War or Political Vendetta?
Soon after the killing, an ID associated with Gopi Ghanashampuria Group posted on social media taking responsibility. However, Davinder Bambiha Gang later denied any role, stating in a separate post:
“Mothers are shared and sacred – whether of a friend or an enemy. We do not support dragging families into personal rivalries.”
The post further distanced the gang from Kaushal Chaudhary, a name mentioned in the earlier claim of responsibility.
Victim’s Family Accuses Congress MP Randhawa
In a serious twist, Rajwinder Kaur, Harjit Kaur’s sister-in-law and village sarpanch, filed a formal police complaint naming Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and his son Udayveer Singh. She alleged:
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Udayveer had repeatedly threatened her son Gagandeep Singh to avoid contesting elections against them.
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Gagandeep was previously under police protection, but it was allegedly revoked due to political pressure.
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Following the shooting, attackers reportedly called Randhawa’s associates, saying: “Kaam kar diya” (The job is done).
Gang Rivalries at Play
The social media post from Donnie Bal Billa Manga, Prabhu Dasuwal, and Kaushal Chaudhary claimed responsibility, stating:
“Karanvir managed Bhagwanpuria’s weapons and funds. We killed him to avenge our brother Gora Bariar.”
Gora was shot dead last month in Ghuman in a similar drive-by shooting. His killing was also believed to be gang-related.
Background: Who is Jaggu Bhagwanpuria?
Jaggu Bhagwanpuria is among Punjab’s most feared gangsters, facing over 125 criminal cases, including murder, drug trafficking, and extortion. He was named as a key conspirator in the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala, and was aligned with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi at that time.
However, their alliance turned hostile after a deadly gang war inside Goindwal Jail, where Bhagwanpuria’s aides were killed by Bishnoi’s men. Since then, the two gangs have been engaged in an intense turf war.
Police Investigation Underway
Batala police have initiated a multi-angle investigation. SHO Avneet Kaur confirmed the deaths and said more clarity will emerge after forensic analysis, call detail records, and family interrogation.
The Congress party has yet to issue a formal statement, though Randhawa, when approached, said: “I will respond after the investigation is complete.”
